Title: Upper alpha neurofeedback training enhances working memory performance using LabVIEW

Authors: J. Sofia Bobby; S. Prakash

Addresses: Biomedical Engineering Department, Jerusalem College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai 600100, India ' ECE Department, Jerusalem College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai 600100, India

Abstract: This study aimed to improve working memory performance by the enhancement of upper alpha band of electroencephalography (EEG) using Neurofeedback Training (NFT). Twenty five healthy subjects were trained on five sessions by means of feedback provided in the form of visual cues. The EEG signal is acquired using single channel electrode and connected to the system through Data Acquisition Device (DAQ). The upper alpha band (10-13 Hz) signal is extracted using LabVIEW software. Then the subject is asked to stay relaxed by viewing the natural scenes displaying in the system. With appropriate protocol designed for NFT, the end results showed that the participants were able to learn to increase the relative amplitude levels in individual alpha band during neurofeedback training and working memory performance was significantly improved by the enhancement of upper alpha band. On the first and last session, cognitive skill is tested by a conceptual span test and the scores are compared. In this study, 25 subjects showed significant success of training.

Keywords: electroencephalography; upper alpha band; neurofeedback training; single channel; working memory; LabVIEW.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2017.087716

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2017 Vol.25 No.2/3/4, pp.120 - 132

Received: 07 Sep 2016
Accepted: 25 Nov 2016

Published online: 31 Oct 2017 *

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